North Hertfordshire has always been a great place for business, and with over 5000 companies based here, North Herts Council looks to provide as much help as possible for companies in our district.
Funding to support the Hertfordshire economy and businesses is channelled through the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) into programmes and projects designed specifically to address the issues faced by Hertfordshire companies. Whether you’re just starting out with a new business idea, or already established and looking to grow, there is help available to support what your business needs.
Business start-up
Free support to help new businesses including workshops, one-to-one advice, incubation workspace and grants
Contact: WENTA info@wenta.co.uk 01438 310150 www.wenta.co.uk/hertsstartup
Growth and exporting
Projects to help companies with: overcoming barriers to growth, developing innovation, getting help with exporting, harnessing graduate talent and build links with academic expertise
Contact: Hertfordshire Growth Hub will put you in touch with the right scheme for your business: enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com 0844 725 5575 www.hertsgrowthhub.com
Help with regulations
The Better Business For All programme provides useful guidance on regulators and how to negotiate regulations concerning business for existing enterprises and especially start-ups.
Contact: Better Business For All - Hertfordshire LEP
Sectors
There are specific projects to help particularly supply chain companies involved with life sciences, film and screen industries, manufacturing, and low carbon solutions in the built environment
Contact: Hertfordshire Growth Hub will put you in touch with the right scheme for your business: enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com 0844 725 5575 www.hertsgrowthhub.com
Energy efficiency grants and support
The Low Carbon Business Support programme is open to applications from businesses in North Herts looking to take their first steps to reduce their carbon emissions, as well as those who have actively started their low carbon journey.
Starting with an in-depth business diagnostic, which will help identify key areas of support required, the programme then follows an intensive pathway of support to help pull together a low carbon action plan. The main support offer is an extensive free workshop programme focused on key energy related topics, low carbon technology overviews, as well as case study presentations, all delivered by experts in their field.
Contact: LowCarbon-BSP@deytonbell.com. Eligibility criteria applies. This programme is funded by the ERDF and is delivered in partnership by Cambridgeshire County Council, PECT and Deyton Bell Ltd.
Low Carbon Workspaces grants are available from £1,000 - £5,000 to help fund a third of the cost of projects at commercial premises that reduce energy usage or carbon emissions. Fundable projects include LED lighting, solar PV panels, heating upgrades and insulation/glazing. These interventions are a great way for your business to decarbonise, to save money on energy bills, and to help achieve your net zero goals. Grants cannot be paid retrospectively so it is essential to apply before undertaking work or appointing suppliers.
Contact: www.lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk or email info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk.
Skills for growth
Free training and development to help businesses upskill their workforce
Contact: SEETEC herts.employers@seetec.co.uk 0800 389 1999 www.seetec.co.uk
Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) gives students, employers and residents access to the resources they need to make informed career decisions and build a future talent pipeline.
Skills advice for SMEs
Information, advice and guidance for SMEs around skills planning
Contact: Hertfordshire Growth Hub will put you in touch with the right scheme for your business: enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com 0844 725 5575 www.hertsgrowthhub.com
Business support and networking groups
Free advertising
- Visit Herts – for leisure, hospitality, events, catering, hotels, restaurants and attractions
- ItsLocal – the online directory of all local services and suppliers
Help for individuals
There is also more help for people trying to get into work, or those wanting to develop new skills to get new jobs:
- Help with financial advice and securing sustainable employment • Contact Hertfordshire County Council tracey.mortimore@hertfordshire.gov.uk
- Help with English, maths and ESOL for Hertfordshire residents and Hertfordshire SMEs • Contact Hertfordshire County Council barbara.mcdonagh@hertfordshire.gov.uk
- Help with re-engaging with education and leading healthier and more fulfilling lives through community learning • Contact Hertfordshire County Council HAFLS.BST@hertfordshire.gov.uk
- Helping unemployed people back into employment by developing vocational and employability skills • Contact Reed Partnership and Learn Direct Parmjit.Khatkar@learndirect.com Aldo.Collu@reed.co.uk